§ 31. Mr. HICKSasked the Minister of Health what recent action has been taken to provide employment for workmen in the building trades by promoting or accelerating housing schemes; and how many additional persons have been employed as a result?
Sir H. YOUNGLocal authorities are continuing to submit proposals for the erection of houses and these proposals are regularly approved where they comply with the policy laid down in the circular letter of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. I regret that the information sought in the last part of the question is not available.
§ Mr. McGOVERNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that public health authorities are held up in condemning a great amount of property because of the lack of houses, and will he attempt to speed up the housing programme in order that these diseased houses may be cleared away?
Sir H. YOUNGWhenever an application is made for approval for a housing programme and houses are required for reasons such as those referred to, the application is approved.
§ Mr. McGOVERNThat is not what I asked. I asked the right hon. Gentleman if he was aware that there was joint co-operation between these bodies to prevent the building of houses, where needed, and will he take action in that case?